Tine system

ABSTRACT

A tine assembly comprising a plurality of individual tines, each tine with an arcuate shaped base section and a blade section. Each time is mountable between a pair of hubs suds that each blade extends radially outward therefrom. The base portions are clamped, secured, or otherwise engaged between the hub assemblies. The blades may be positioned to be twisted in various angles about a line extending substantially radially outwards, by the use of wedge-shaped, arcuate blocks. The blocks and individual tines may be positioned in a multitude of different configurations to providing desired rotational positioning of the tine blade sections.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 (e) to, andhereby incorporates by reference, U.S. Provisional Application No.60/204,281, filed May 15, 2000 and No. 60/245,040, filed Oct. 27, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to agricultural tillage equipment and, inparticular, this invention relates to a tine and tine system foraerating soils with minimal disruption of the soil profile.

[0004] 2. Background of Plows Invention

[0005] Persons producing crops are often confronted with two issues:soil compaction and soil erosion. Solutions to these issues are oftencontradictory in nature. Soil compaction occurs due to such phenomena asrainfall, overhead irrigation, tillage implements (e.g., tractors,planters, cultivators), and livestock. Soil compaction causes problemssuch as reduced water infiltration, restricted crop root growth, andlower amounts of oxygen for general plant growth and development.Tillage methods, such as moldboard plowing, were traditionally used toeliminate and/or reduce soil compaction. However, moldboard plowstypically left the soil surface bare and exposed to wind and watererosion. To reduce soil erosion, compaction was often eliminated byusing other tillage implements with sweeps or chisel-points. Theseimplements had the advantage of leaving surface crop residuemore-or-less intact to reduce soil loss due to erosion. However, theroot structure of the crop plant residue was totally disrupted whenthese implements were used. Moreover, tillage practices with theseimplements often adversely affected trafficability and resulted inincreased soil bulk density.

[0006] Without intending to limit the present invention, it is believedthat silt soil particles are only slightly heavier than water. As watermoves downward in a soil profile, the water transports silt particleswith it, e.g., within the A-horizon. As the downward movement of waterslows, the silt particles are deposited within the A-horizon to form anearly indistinguishable layer initially. As this process continues overtime, e.g., with additional precipitation, this layer becomes discreteand identifiable. Mechanical analysis of soil profiles verifies thatsilt accumulates over time at different depths, in differing soil types,with differing organic matter content, and root system environments. Thecreation and existence of this “density layer” (or accumulated silt) isone condition requiring tillage operations. Perforation of this siltlayer and fracturing of the same restores more rapid water intake ofsoils. It is not necessary to lift, turn, and/or redistribute the siltin the A-horizon to restore water movement. Aeration of soil is, infact, a true tillage since one of the major functions of tillage is torestore the water intake capability of a given soil. The accumulation ofsilt serves as a barrier to the exchange of water and soil atmospherewithin a given soil. The importance of this phenomenon in causing sheeterosion in no-till situations and gully erosion in cases of traditionalprimary tillage techniques is directly related to the importance of thepresent invention.

[0007] In addition to the concerns stated above, moldboard plows andchisels are unsatisfactory in aerating soil profiles in which stands ofperennials (e.g., pasture grasses, alfalfa) have been established.Obviously, using moldboard plows or chisels would destroy the stand ofperennials, as well as potentially expose the surface of the soil towind and water erosion. However, soil compaction frequently occurs insoils with perennial crop stands due to the effects of rain, irrigation,livestock traffic, tractors and baling equipment, and the like.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,580, issued May 17, 1983 to Huxford andhereby incorporated by reference, discloses an agricultural implementasserted as being suitable for aerating soils and pastures. Theagricultural implement includes a frame attachable to a three-pointtractor linkage, a plurality of shafts rotatably mounted on the frame,and a plurality of cutting blades projecting from each of the rollers.The blades are formed from plate material and are preferably formed to apoint. Various edges of the blade are preferably doubled to assist theimplement in cutting the soil without undue lifting or tearing of thesoil surface.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,329, issued Oct. 28, 1986 to Gorbett andhereby incorporated by reference, discloses a soil aerator with a frame.A rotatable drum is mounted on the frame. The enclosed opposing ends ofthe drum carry axles, which are mounted within the frame, whereby thedrum is rotatable with respect to the frame about the longitudinal axisof the drum. A plurality of triangular-shaped teeth are arranged in rowson an outer cylindrical surface of the drum. Each of the rows of teethforms a chevron-shaped pattern with respect to the next succeeding rowof teeth.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,232, issued Jun. 28, 1989 to Mayer and herebyincorporated by reference, discloses soil aerating equipment having aframe and at least one pair of shafts. The shafts are freely androtatably mounted on the frame for rotation about the shaft longitudinalaxes. The shafts extend in rearwardly inclined, opposite directions froma centerline of the frame. The rearward inclination of the shafts isadjustable to desired angles in the range of from about 90 degrees toabout 120 degrees to the direction of travel. Each shaft carries aseries of soil-engaging, substantially planar tines extending therefromin vertical planes and positioned to sequentially engage and penetratethe soil with consequent rotation of the shafts when the frame is movedin the direction of travel. Each tine has a central, longitudinal axis,which extends behind the shaft rotational axis at a distance therefromin the range of about 0.25 to about 1.75 inch. Each tine is twistedabout a tine central, longitudinal axis at a fixed angle to a verticalplane parallel to the direction of travel in the range of from about 1degree to about 30 degrees.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,602, issued Jun. 4, 1991 to Dellinger andhereby incorporated by reference, discloses an aerator for lawns and thelike. The aerator has spiders formed from four identically-formedmembers. Each of these members has a tine on each end. Therefore, fourmembers provide eight tines for the spider. The members are relativelynarrow. Filler members at each end of the tine members provide stabilityto the spider. The spiders are carried by a frame. The frame carries aweight-receiving tray for carrying weight to assure penetration of thetines. Springs carry the tray on the frame, so that the springs willabsorb energy resulting from engaging an inipenetratable object.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,229, issued Oct. 24, 1995 to Mattis andhereby incorporated by reference, discloses a field aerator apparatusasserted as being useful for aerating grass or hay ground. The apparatusincludes elongated spikes on a cylindrical drum. As the apparatus istowed across a field, the spikes penetrate and loosen the soil, as wellas provide openings in the soil to improve water penetration and reducewater run-off. The spikes are secured to bands encircling the drum. Thespacing between bands is adjustable, so that the spacing between spikescan be adjusted.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,291, issued Mar. 18, 1997 to Pogue and herebyincorporated by reference, discloses an aerator and seeder for untilledpasture land. The implement includes a frame and a cylindrical drum. Thedrum is rotatably mounted on the frame by a co-rotatable axial shaft. Aplurality of rigid prongs are provided on the cylindrical surface of thedrum. The prongs penetrate, agitate, and aerate the soil as the drum isrolled over the land to be seeded.

[0014] Many of the above-referenced documents are directed to reducingexposure of a soil to the erosion and enhancing trafficability thereon.The implements described use tines performing vertically to penetratethe soil profile, thereby reducing or eliminating soil compaction andaerating or restoring normal air-water exchange in the soil profile aswell. These implements further minimize exposure to erosion by retainingabove-ground and below-ground crop residue. However none of theimplements described in these documents 1) provides tines without abruptradius changes; 2) provide a tine with a cavity (and optional soilretaining surfaces thereon) to catch soil and thereby abrade soil on thesurface of the tine against soil being aerated; 3) provide a tineassembly with a key slot on both sides of the tine base to enable thetine to be reversibly mounted; and 4) provide a tine with a slot oropening for injecting fluids (e.g., fertilizer) into the soil during anaeration procedure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] This invention substantially meets the aforementioned needs ofthe industry by providing a tine to aerate soils without destroyingabove-surface or below-surface plant residue. The mounted tine may beadjustable with respect to degree and direction of rotation andinclination. An aerator implement of this invention includes tinesmounted at any desired degree and direction of rotation and at anydesired degree of inclination with respect to the aerator implementcenterline. The tine includes base and blade portions. The tine baseportion may include an arcuate slot or key way, optional radial slots,and a plurality of holes. The arcuate slot enables the tine to bereversibly mounted so that either of two blade edges will initiallyengage soil being aerated. The holes accommodate fasteners such as boltsand optionally provide an egress for fluids being applied to the soil,such as fertilizer. The radial slots provide a surface to further securethe tine against rotational forces when in use. The tine blade portionmay include a soil retaining surface geometry, such as a concaveportion, to catch some of the soil being aerated. The concave portion(as well as other blade surfaces) may also have soil retaining surfacegeometry, such as a raised grid to catch some of the soil being aerated,so that abrasive wear on the tine blade is minimized by abradingsoil-against-soil, rather than abrading soil against the tine blade. Thetines may be mounted with a desired degree and direction of rotation byusing shims. The shims may include surfaces contoured to mate with theslot and holes in the tine base portion. The shims may be tapered at adesired angle to provide the desired degree of twisting or rotation. Theshims may also be tapered to provide a desired degree (extent) of tineinclination.

[0016] Liquids, such as fertilizers, may be injected into the soil beingaerated by the present aerator. The liquids are conveyed to the rotatingtines by using a metering spacer, metering ring, and a band. Themetering spacer rotates with the implement axle. The metering ring andband are stationary. The metering spacer defines a groove and aplurality of lumens opening into the groove. The metering ring has aslot. The band maintains the metering spacer and ring in an operativerelationship, in which the metering ring is disposed around the meteringspacer groove. A tube extends through the band and opens proximate theslot. Fluid to be applied is conveyed through the tube, then through theslot. From the slot, the fluid enters the spacer groove. From the spacergroove, the fluid is conveyed to the tines, through the spacer lumens.The fluid is forced through the holes in the present tines onto slotsdefined in the tine blades, from where the fluid is injected into thesoil profile. The fluid is injected into the soil profile at a pointbelow the soil surface via the tine injection slot. Injection of fluidsbelow the soil surface prevents loss of nutrients from volatilizationand runoff. Reduced or eliminated nutrient loss from runoff greatlyminimizes surface water pollution from such nutrient minerals such asphosphate and nitrogenous compounds. In at least one tine configuration,wherein soil is uplifted by tines when being aerated, the presentaerator further prevents loss of nutrients by further covering appliednutrients with soil uplifted from below the soil surface.

[0017] A desired number of the tines are radially mounted in a setbetween two hubs, the hubs being fixed (or integral) to axles. A desirednumber of sets connected to axles thusly are said to form a gang. Thetines may be mounted so that the tines are in a helical arrangement asan entire gang of tines is viewed. The mounted tines may be rotatedclockwise or counterclockwise and may further be inclined toward, awayfrom, or perpendicular to, the implement centerline in a desiredconfiguration. Alternatively, the ends of the present tines may beangled at a bend in the tine, so that the mounted tines bend toward oraway from, the implement centerline.

[0018] It is therefore an object of this invention, to provide a tinewithout abrupt radius changes in the body of the tine to thereby avoidconcentrated shear forces otherwise present because of the tine design.Sharp radius changes between the blade and the base in existing artresult in excessive breakage, especially in adverse or rocky conditions.

[0019] A further object of this invention is to provide a tine with aconcave surface to retain soil on the concave surface of the tine bladeand thereby minimize abrasive wear on the tine blade by abradingsoil-against-soil, rather than soil against the tine blade.

[0020] A yet further object of this invention is to provide a tine withbase surface features enabling the tine to be reversibly mounted on anaerating implement. These features may include a generally arcuate basaledge, bolt holes, one or more opposing arcuate grooves and one or moreopposing radial grooves.

[0021] A yet still further object of this invention is to provide a tinewith soil retaining surfaces, such as raised grids, which will retainsoil. The retained soil on the soil retaining surfaces diminishes tinewear because an appreciable amount of the abrasion encountered by thetine during use is soil-to-soil abrasion. A lesser amount of theabrasion encountered by the tine during use is tine-to-soil abrasion.

[0022] A still further object of this invention is to provide a tine,which can inject fluids such as fertilizers into the soil when the soilis being aerated by the tine. The fluids may be injected into the soilprofile to prevent loss by volatilization or runoff otherwise occurringif the fluids were left on the soil surface. In some tineconfigurations, loss of applied fluids is further minimized by soilbeing deposited on the soil surface due to the soil uplifting functionof the tines.

[0023] These and other objects, features, and advantages of thisinvention will become apparent from the description which follows, whenconsidered in view of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1a is a plan view of a first side of two embodiments of thepresent tine;

[0025]FIG. 1b is a plan view of a second side of the two tineembodiments of FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 1c is a side view of the first embodiment of the tine of FIG.1;

[0027]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base portion of the secondtine embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0028]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first lateral side of oneembodiment of a shim of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second lateral side of the shim of FIG.3;

[0030]FIG. 5 is a view of a first end of the shim of FIG. 3;

[0031]FIG. 6 is a view of a second end of the shim of FIG. 3;

[0032]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an axle and hub used to mount thepresent tine;

[0033]FIG. 8 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present tine andshims of this invention mounted between two hubs of an aerator;

[0034]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fluid meteringspacer of this invention;

[0035]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fluid metering ring of thisinvention;

[0036]FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the metering, ring of FIG. 10operably disposed about the spacer of FIG. 9; and

[0037]FIG. 12 is a side view of a spacer of the present invention.

[0038] It is understood that the above-described figures are onlyillustrative of the present invention and are not contemplated to limitthe scope thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION/DRAWINGS

[0039] Comprehension of this invention can be gained through referenceto the drawings in conjunction with a thorough review of the followingexplanation. Any references to such relative terms as front, back,right, left, top, bottom, upper, lower, horizontal, vertical, inboard,outboard, and the like, are intended for convenience of description andare not intended to limit the present invention or its components to anyone positional or spatial orientation. All dimensions of the componentsin the attached figures may vary with a potential design and theintended use of an embodiment of the invention without departing fromthe scope of the invention. Unless stated otherwise, relativedescriptions of tine rotation angles and inclination with respect to thepresent aerator implement are from the perspective of the direction oftravel and/or an aerator implement centerline.

[0040] The first embodiment of the tine of this invention is depicted inFIGS. 1a and 1 b generally at 100. The tine 100 is unitary (or otherwiseintegral) in this embodiment, but may be considered to include a baseportion 104 and a blade portion 106. The tine 100 displays a first side(surface) 108 and a second side (surface) 110. With respect to the blade106, the tine 100 displays a first edge 112 converging with a secondedge 114 at a tip 116. With respect to the base 104, the present tinedisplays a third edge 118. The third edge 118 converges with a fourthedge 120 and a fifth edge 122 at 124 and 126, respectively.

[0041] Referring particularly to FIG. 1a and viewing the first side 108of the tine 100, an arcuate slot 130 and holes 132 and 134 are definedin the base 104. In this embodiment, the slot 130 extends between thefourth and fifth edges 120 and 122, generally following the arcuatecontour of the third edge 118. At least a portion of the blade portionof the first side 108 is configured as a soil retaining surface geometryby being “dished-out” to a concave surface 136. A raised portion (ormore generally a soil retaining surface geometry), such as a grid 138,is present within the concave 136 in this embodiment. With reference tothe view of the second side 110 of the tine 100 depicted in FIG. 1b, thebase portion 104 defines an arcuate slot 146, which extends between thefourth and fifth edges 120 and 122 and generally follows the contour ofthe third edge 118. At least in part, the holes 132 and 134 extendbetween the surfaces defined by the slots 130 and 146. A slot 150 isdefined in the blade and base portions of the second side 110. The slot150 slopes from the surface of the second side 110 and opens into thehole 134. As will be seen below, a lumen (tunnel) extending between thehole 134 and the surface of the second side 110 could be present in lieuof the slot 150. Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1 b, a first bevel 154extends between the first edge 112 and the second side 110. A secondbevel 156 extends between the second edge 114 and the first side 108. Inthe embodiment depicted, a raised pattern (or more generally a soilretaining surface geometry), such as a grid 158, is present on thesurface of the first bevel 154.

[0042]FIGS. 1a, 1 b, and 2 depict a second embodiment of the presenttine generally at 200. The tine 200 is unitary (or otherwise integral)in this embodiment, but may be considered to include a base portion 204and a blade portion 206. The tine 200 displays a first side (surface)208 and a second side (surface) 210. Respective first and second edges212 and 214 extend from a tip 216 to define, in portion, the blade 206.The base portion 204 displays a third edge 218, which converges withrespective fourth and fifth edges 220 and 222 at 224 and 226. Radialslots 227, 228, and 229, an arcuate slot 230, and holes 232 and 234 aredefined on the first side 208 in this embodiment. The arcuate slot 230generally follows the contour of the third edge 218 and extends betweenedges 220 and 222. The slots of the present tine base, such as 130 and227-230, represent contours used to secure the present tine in place.However, in place of depressions, such as the slots 130 and 227-230, thepresent tine may also include raised surfaces. Although not depicted, araised surface, such as the grid 138 could be present at each of thesides 208 and 210. However, in the embodiment depicted as tine 200, agenerally intersecting linear grid 238 of grooves is inwardly definedfrom the surface 208. A portion of the tine blade 206 may be“dished-out” to form a soil retaining surface geometry, such as aconcave surface 236 on the first side 208 in the blade portion 206. Withrespect to the second side 210, the base portion 204 defines radialslots 240, 242, and 244 and an arcuate slot 246. The holes 232 and 234extend between the surfaces defined by the slots 230 and 246 in thisembodiment. The arcuate slot 246 generally follows the contour of thethird edge 218 in this embodiment. As best seen in FIG. 2, the slots227, 228, and 229 are generally opposite the respective slots 244, 242,and 240. Moreover, the arcuate slots 230 and 246 are generally opposedas well. Although not shown, the generally opposed relation between theslots 130 and 146 of the tine 100 is the same, or substantially thesame, as depicted in FIG. 2 with respect to the arcuate slots 230 and246. A slot 250, more fully discussed below, extends from the hole 232to the surface 208. A first bevel 254 extends from the second side 210to the first edge 212 and a second bevel 256 extends from the secondside 208 to the second edge 214. A soil retaining surface geometry, suchas a grid 258, may be defined on the first bevel 254 In this embodiment,the grid 258 represents a series of intersecting, substantially lineardepressions.

[0043] There are no abrupt radius changes from the base portion to theblade portion of the present tine. Hence no radial fracture forces aregenerated because of the lack of abrupt radius changes. FIG. 1c depictsa side view of the tine 100. A portion of the concave 136 generallycoinciding with a longitudinal axis of the tine is indicated in phantom.In contrast to the tines of the prior art, present tine graduallytransitions from a base thickness 302 to a minimum concave thickness304. In the embodiment depicted, the transition from the base thicknessto the minimum concave thickness can be characterized by an angularrelation from the transition point 306 to the point 308 at which thethickness is at a minimum. The point 308 may also be characterized asthe point nearest the transition point 306 at which the thickness is ata minimum. The transition point is considered to be the position alongthe longitudinal axis at which the thickness of the present tine beginsto decrease. The transitioning of the present tine, as described above,may be further characterized by an angle 310 describing the angularrelation between lines 312 and 314. The line 312 extends between thetransition point 306 and the point of minimum thickness 308. The line314 describes the generally horizontal contour of the surface of presentbase portion. The angle 310 may be between about 1 degree and 20degrees, between about 5 degrees and 15 degrees, between about 7 degreesand 13 degrees, or about 10 degrees. Stated otherwise, and by way ofillustration and not limitation, for a tine of this invention with alength of about 8.75 inches, a base portion with a thickness of about0.8 inches tapers to a minimum blade (concave) thickness of about 0.5inch at a radius of about 8 inches, at a radius between about 6 inchesand 10 inches, or at a radius between about 4 inches and 12 inches. Thetransitioning described above imparts a resistance to the breakagefrequently encountered with respect to tines of the prior art.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the present invention includes anangle-adjusting device, depicted as a shim 400. The shim 400 displaysopposed respective first and second lateral surfaces 404 and 406,generally arcuate lower and upper surfaces 408 and 410, andsubstantially flat end surfaces 412 and 414. A raised portion 418extends from the first lateral surface 404. Holes 420 and 422 extendbetween the raised portion 418 and the second lateral surface 406. Whilethe raised portion 418 is generally continuous in this embodiment, itmay be considered to include an arcuate section 424 and optional radialsections 426, 428, and 430. The holes 420 and 422 align with holes 132and 134 of tine 100 and with holes 232 and 234 of the tine 200. Theraised section 424 is disposed and dimensioned to be received in arcuateslots 130 or 146 of the tine 100 or arcuate slots 230 or 246 of the tine200. If the radial grooves are present in the present tine base, theradial sections 426, 428, and 430 are disposed and dimensioned to beaccommodated in the radial sections 227, 228, 229, 240, 242, and 244.Angles 432 434 may, in part, define the dimensions of the shim 400. Theangle 432 defines the arc through which the shim 400 extends, e.g., 90degrees. The angle 434 defines the spacing of the holes 420 and 422,e.g., 30 degrees. If the tine of this invention uses raised surfacesrather than slots, the present angle adjusting devices would be modifiedto define depressions, which would mate with the tine raised surfaces.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the shim 400 is depicted,displaying the substantially smooth shim surface 406 and a taper fromend surface 412 to end surface 414. In the absence of a taper, a planardimension of the present tine is generally perpendicular to the axis ofthe axle to which the tine is mounted. A nonlimiting recitation of theextent of taper will enable the present tine to be mounted so that thetine plane is rotated to a desired extent, either clockwise orcounterclockwise, with respect to the axis of the axle to which the tineis mounted. By way of illustration and not limitation, one such extentof rotation is a multiple of 2.5 degrees, e.g. 2.5 degrees, 5.0 degrees,7.5 degrees, and 10.0 degrees. The thickness t of the shim 400 changesalong the shim length 1 and remains substantially uniform with respectto the shim width w. However, a tapering width w may be present in someembodiments of the present shim. A tapering width will enable thepresent tine attitude (direction and extent of tipping) to either betoward, or away from, a centerline of the aeration implement. Thesignificance of tine attitude will be discussed below.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the present tines are advantageouslymounted on an aerator with a plurality of axles 500. Each axle endterminates in a hub 502. Each of the hubs 502 displays respectiveinboard and outboard surfaces 504 and 506 and defines a plurality ofholes 508, which extend between the surfaces 504 and 506. Now referringparticularly to FIG. 8, the present tines and shims are deployed toachieve a desired extent of rotation as described above. In the exampledepicted in FIG. 8, the present tines 100, 200 are mounted between twoof the present shims 400 so as to impart the desired degree of rotationto the tine planes. The shims 400, in turn, are disposed between inboardsurfaces 504 of hubs 502. The tines, shims, and hubs are fixed intoplace with fasteners, such as bolts 510 (extending through the holes132, 134, 232, 234, 420, 422, and 508) threaded onto nuts 512. Thecombination of the reversible shims and reversible tine of thisinvention enables a high degree of versatility of mounting options. Thepresent tine can be mounted such that it 1) inclines toward or away fromthe implement centerline; 2) is rotated toward or away from theimplement centerline; and 3) is in either the forward or rear position.Therefore, at least eight mounting configurations are possible with eachshim combination.

[0047] Suitable materials for use in making the present tine and shiminclude ductile iron and carbidic ductile iron, each optionallyundergoing a tempering, such as an austemper protocol to a grade 5 levelof hardness, after the tines and shims have been formed.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the present aerator may be used to applya fluid by including a metering spacer 550 and a metering ring 552 ofthe present invention. The metering spacer 550 and metering ring 552depict an optional liquid metering system, wherein fluids (e.g.,fertilizers) are placed below the surface of a soil profile by thepresent aerator implement during an aeration procedure.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 9, the generally cylindrical spacer 550 definesa plurality of generally axial lumens 556, each lumen 556 extendingbetween respective inboard (intake) and outboard ports 558 and 560. Theinboard ports 558 open into a generally circumferential groove 562. Inthis embodiment the number of lumens is determined by the number ofinjection sites, e.g., the number of tines. Diameters of the lumens 556are determined by such factors as the amount and viscosity of the fluidto be applied.

[0050]FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of the present metering ring at552, which includes ring portions 566 and 568. The ring portion 566defines a liquid transport tube groove 570 and an optionally variablelength metering slot 572. Increasing slot lengths will increase theexposure time of the lumen inboard (intake) ports to fluids beingapplied. Thus, by increasing the length of the metering slot, thepresent metering ring will dispense increasing quantities of liquids.Specific quantities of fluids dispensed depend on such factors astemperature, pressure, implement speed, and the viscosity of the fluidbeing dispensed.

[0051] A cross-sectional depiction of the metering ring 552 and a band573 is shown in FIG. 11, wherein “C,” “B,” and “A” depict increasinglengths of the slot 572. The metering spacer 550 would be enclosedwithin the metering ring 552, but is omitted in FIG. 11 for clarity. Atube 574 extends through the band 573. An end 575 of the tube 574 isdisposed at least partially within the groove 570 of the ring portion566. The fluid to be dispensed is conveyed from a pressurized source(not shown), through an ingress end 576 of the tube 574, out through thetube end 575, and through the slot 572. The fluid then enters the spacergroove 562, from which the fluid enters the lumens 556 via the inboardports 558. The lumens 556 convey the fluid to tine locations. At thetines, the fluid is dispensed into the soil by being forced through oneof the orifices at the base of the present tine and out the slot 150 or250. Each lumen may supply more than one tine location. Alternatively,elimination of the outlet in the tine base area can permit selectingspecific locations for injection while eliminating other locations. Thespacer 550 and metering ring 552 are lubricated by means of alubrication fitting, such as a zerk 577, and a lubricant slot 578. Inthis embodiment, the zerk 577 is disposed in the band 573 and thelubricant slot is defined in the ring portion 568. The band 573 may besecured around the ring sections 566 and 568 and the spacer 550 by afastener, such as a screw or bolt (not shown) extending through the lips580 and 582.

[0052]FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of a generally unitary spacer of thisinvention generally at 590. The spacer defines orifices 592, which maybe dimensioned and positioned to be in registry with the lumens 556 ofthe spacer 550. A generally circular raised portion 594 intersectsoptional radial raised portions 596. The raised portion 594 isdimensioned and positioned to fit into the arcuate slot present in thebase of the present tine. The raised portions 596 are dimensioned andpositioned to fit into the radial slots present in some embodiments ofthe present tine base. Another generally circular raised portion 598 isdisposed outside an orifice 599. The raised portion 598 aligns with thethird edges of the third edges 118 and 218 of the present tine. Thespacer is secured in place using a fastener such as an arbor boltextending through the orifice 599. Alternatively, the raised portionsmay be substituted for depressions or grooves if the present tineincludes raised surfaces in lieu of slots. The spacer 590 may be used inthe place of the present shims. If used in place of the shims describedherein, a pair of the spacers 590 could have sloped portions present inthe raised surface 594, rather than the smooth surface depicted.

[0053] In one embodiment, the present tines are mounted on the hubs asdepicted above, such that the edge 112 or 212 becomes the “leading edge”by entering the ground first. After the tine reaches a vertical positionat 90 degrees (6 o'clock) within the soil, the edge 114 or 214 becomesthe leading edge, wherein the edge 114 or 214 and optionally one of theblade surfaces begin to fracture the compaction zone by cutting into thesoil and uplifting some portion of the soil onto the soil surface. Theamount of soil fractured and uplifted is determined in part by the tineattitude and degree of rotation. Pluralities of the present tines arefunctionally mounted to axles to comprise a gang of several tine sets.The gang axles may be deployed so as to be generally perpendicular tothe direction of travel. Alternatively, the gang axles may be deployedat an angular departure to the perpendicular. Soil fracturing anduplifting will usually be increased as the present gang axle is angledaway from a perpendicular deployment. Thus, another factor determiningthe amount of soil fracturing and uplifting is the angle at which a gangof the present tines is deployed.

[0054] Partially because the arcuate grooves in the base of the presenttine may extend between the fourth and fifth edges as described above,the present tine may be reversed. In a reversed position the edge 114 or214 becomes the leading edge as the tine is rotated into the soil andthe edge 112 or 212 becomes the leading edge as the tine is rotated outof the soil. Reversing the present tine may cause more soil to beuplifted and deposited on the soil surface, thereby minimizingvolatilization loss of some applied fluids, e.g., anhydrous ammonia. Theconcave surface and gridding cause soil to adhere to the tine surface.Soil adhering to the tine surface then abrades against soil particles inthe soil profile being aerated when the tine is rotated into and out ofthe soil. Thus, the concave surface and gridding prolong the useful lifeof the present tine by abrading soil-against-soil, rather than soilagainst the present tine surface.

[0055] The present tines are mounted between the hubs as depicted anddescribed above. There are usually three or four tines mounted per hub.However, more or fewer tines can be mounted as well. The tines can bemounted in configurations denoted as “P,” “L,” and “S”. Theseconfigurations describe the orientations of tine gangs on opposing sidesof the implement center axis. The present tines are mounted in anaerator implement to achieve a desired tine attitude, degree ofrotation, and direction of rotation. Desired directions of rotation areprovided with reference to the right side of the implement centerline(from the perspective of the direction of travel). Tines disposed to theleft of the implement centerline will normally be rotated oppositely. Inaerators with a P configuration, the tines are inclined toward (tinetips point toward) the implement centerline and the tines to the rightof the implement centerline are rotated clockwise (as viewed from thefront of the implement). In aerators with an L configuration, the tinesare inclined toward the implement centerline and the tines to the rightof the implement centerline are rotated counterclockwise (as viewed fromthe front of the implement). In the S attitude, the tines are inclinedaway from (the tine tips point away from) the implement centerline andthe tines to the right of the implement centerline are usually rotatedclockwise (as viewed from the front of the implement and as disclosed inthe above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,232).

[0056] The P and L configurations result in reduced entry resistanceinto the soil as compared to the S configuration. The P configurationdevelops all fracturing forces during the first 90 degrees of tinerotation into the soil. As tine rotation approaches the end of the first90 degrees of rotation, the tine undergoes a twisting action, whereinthe tine exerts diminishing pressure against the soil and root systems.In the final 90 degrees of rotation, little or no soil uplift occurs.Tines in the P configuration enter the soil more easily than tines inthe L configuration because of a forward facing thrust surface.Increased implement speed increases the penetration of tines disposed inthe P configuration. By contrast increased speed reduces the penetrationof tines disposed in the L configuration. In the L configuration, soilfracture in the first 90 degrees of rotation is minimal because only thebeveled and perpendicular edges of the tine are displacing the soil.During the final 90 degrees of rotation, the twisting tine of the Lconfiguration pushes vertically and displaces soil much as would a diskblade on a disk harrow. Offsetting the tine at a greater angle wouldcreate even more uplift, more extensive fracturing, and greater rootsystem damage and dislodgement. The S configuration places the tine onthe opposite side of the machine, so that as the swing arm is offset,the tine must begin a sweep sideways further to arrive at the verticalposition during the tine entry phase of rotation. The tip of the tine,then toward or away from, the centerline of the machine centerline, isthe difference between the S configuration being away from thecenterline, and the P and L configurations being toward the centerlineof the machine. Tines in the S configuration require more force topenetrate soil surfaces than tines in the P and L configuration. A tinein the S configuration creates a “smearing action” in the first 90degrees of rotation into the soil. In the final 90 degrees, the twistingaction of the tine uplifts variably sized lumps of soil onto the soilsurface.

[0057] Because numerous modifications of this invention may be madewithout departing from the spirit thereof, the scope of the invention isnot to be limited to the embodiments illustrated and described. Rather,the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tine assembly for a soil aerator, the tineassembly disposable between two aerator shafts, each shaft ending in ahub, the tine assembly comprising: a plurality of shims, each of saidshims including a first surface conforming with the aerator hub and amating second surface; a tine with a blade and a base, the bladeincluding surfaces to contact and penetrate a soil profile, the basedisplaying opposite first and second engaging surfaces mating the tinebase with the shim mating second surface to secure the tine rotatably inplace between the aerator hubs, the tine and plurality of shimscooperatively configured to position the tine such that a plane of thetine is adjustably rotatable.
 2. The tine assembly of claim 1, saidplurality of shims having first and second ends and a width, the widthgenerally tapering from the first end to the second end.
 3. The tineassembly of claim 1, in which each said tine base engaging surfacecomprises a plurality of holes.
 4. The tine assembly of claim 1, inwhich each said tine base engaging surface comprises a base slot and aplurality of holes.
 5. The tine assembly of claim 4, in which each saidbase slot is generally arcuate.
 6. The tine assembly of claim 1, inwhich the tine base is configured so that the tine can be reversiblymounted.
 7. The tine assembly of claim 1, in which each said shim isconfigured so that the mounted tine is inclined toward a centerline ofthe aerator.
 8. The tine assembly of claim 1, in which each said shim isconfigured so that the mounted tine is inclined away from a centerlineof the aerator.
 9. The tine assembly of claim 1, in which the tine baseportion includes a hole and a slot extending from said hole into thetine blade portion.
 10. The tine assembly of claim 9, in which the slotslopes from a blade surface.
 11. The tine assembly of claim 1, the tineblade displaying a surface with a soil retaining geometry.
 12. The tineassembly of claim 11, in which the soil retaining geometry comprises araised grid.
 13. The tine assembly of claim 11, in which the soilretaining geometry comprises a generally concave portion defined in thetine blade portion.
 14. A soil aerator comprising: a plurality of axles,each axle ending with a hub, each hub with in inboard surface; aplurality of tines, each said tine comprising a base and a blade, thetine base displaying first and second sides and comprising a pluralityof holes extending between the first and second sides of the tine base,the tine blade displaying first and second edges configured to engageand penetrate a soil profile; and a plurality of pairs of angularadjusting devices, each said angular adjusting device with first andsecond opposite surfaces, the first adjustment device surfacesubstantially conforming to the hub inboard surface, the secondadjustment device surface having a further raised surface configured tobe accommodated in the tine base groove, each of said plurality of tinescooperating with one pair of said plurality of angular adjustmentdevices to mount said tine in a rotatably adjustable position, each saidtine and each said plurality of angular adjusting devices disposablebetween two of said hubs.
 15. The soil aerator of claim 14, in whicheach of said plurality of pairs of angular adjusting devices is furtherconfigured so as to incline one of said tines toward or away from anaerator centerline.
 16. The soil aerator of claim 14, in which each saidtine base comprises a generally arcuate slot.
 17. The soil aerator ofclaim 14, in which each said tine base is configured such that each saidtine is reversibly mountable.
 18. The soil aerator of claim 14, in whicheach said tine blade comprises a soil retaining geometry.
 19. The soilaerator of claim 18, in which the soil retaining geometry comprises araised grid.
 20. The soil aerator of claim 18, in which the soilretaining geometry comprises a generally concave portion of the tineblade.
 21. The soil aerator of claim 14, each said tine furthercomprising a slot opening into one of said tine base holes.
 22. The soilaerator of claim 21, further comprising a fluid application system influid communication with the tine slot.
 23. The soil aerator of claim22, the fluid application system comprising a spacer and a meteringring, the spacer defining a plurality of lumens and a central groove,each said lumen with an inboard port and an outboard port, the inboardport opening into the central groove, each outboard opening in fluidcommunication with the tine slot.
 24. A tine assembly for a soilaerator, the tine assembly being disposable between two aerator shafts,each aerator shaft ending in a hub, the tine assembly comprising: a pairof shims; a tine with a base and a blade, the blade including surfacesto contact and penetrate a soil profile; and means for mating the tinewith the pair of shims.
 25. A tine for aerating soil, comprising; a basewith a base surface and a base thickness; and a blade with a bladesurface and a minimum blade thickness at a minimum thickness locus, theminimum blade thickness less than the base thickness, the base and bladecooperating to define a transition zone beginning at a transition point,the transition zone being between the base thickness and the minimumblade thickness locus, in which a line extending between the transitionpoint and the minimum thickness locus is angled from the base surfacebetween about 1 degree and 20 degrees.
 26. The tine of claim 25, inwhich the line extending between the transition point and the minimumthickness locus is angled from the base surface between about 5 degreesand 15 degrees.
 27. The tine of claim 25, in which the line extendingbetween the transition point and the minimum thickness locus is angledfrom the base surface about 10 degrees.
 28. An aerator assembly foraerating soil, the assembly comprising: two hubs, each having an outercircumference and being in coaxial alignment; a plurality of arcuatewedge shaped shims, each shim having a thicker end and a thinner end,the shims being adapted to be sandwiched within the two hubs; aplurality of aerator tines each having a blade portion and a baseportion, each of the base portions of the plurality of aerator tinessandwiched between a pair of the wedge shaped shims and secured betweenthe hubs along with the shims, the wedge shaped shims securing the tinesat a desired angle, and the arcuate shims are aligned with the outercircumferences of the hubs.
 29. The aerator assembly of claim 28, inwhich the base portion of each tine defines a hole adapted for securingthe base portion between the arcuate wedge shaped shims, wherein each ofsaid arcuate wedge shaped shims has a corresponding hole, wherein eachhub has a corresponding hole, and wherein a bolt extends through saidhole in the base portion, holes in said arcuate wedge shaped shims, andholes in the two hubs.
 30. The aerator assembly of claim 28, in whicheach tine defines a passage whereby fluid may be discharged from withinthe aerator assembly outwardly into the soil.
 31. The aerator assemblyof claim 30, in which at least one hub defines a plurality of fluidpassages whereby fluid may be transported to at least some of theplurality of tines.
 32. The aerator assembly of claim 28, in which thethickness of the thicker end and the thinner end is selected to adjustthe angle of the tines relative to the hubs.
 33. The aerator assembly ofclaim 28, in which the plurality of shims are arranged in two rows andthe plurality of tines are sandwiched between the plurality of shims andthe two rows of shims and the plurality of tines are further sandwichedbetween the two hubs.
 34. A method for securing aerator tines in anaerator assembly, the method comprising the steps of: positioning twohubs in a coaxial orientation; interposing between the two hubs aplurality of arcuate wedge shaped shims, the shims each having a thickerend and a thinner end. interposing between the two hubs a plurality ofaerator tines each tine having a base portion and a blade portion.securing the two hubs, the plurality of shims and the plurality of tinesso as to fix the tines at a desired angle between the hubs.
 35. Themethod of claim 34, further comprising the step of placing the tinesbetween a row of the tines between two rows of the shims and securingthe row of tines and the two rows of shims between the hubs.
 36. Themethod of claim 34, further comprising the step of creating a fluidpassage in at least some of the plurality of tines such that a fluid maybe discharged therethrough into the soil.
 37. The method of claim 36,further comprising the step of creating a plurality of fluid passages inat least one of the hubs to supply fluid to the fluid passage in thetines.
 38. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step ofadjusting the thickness of the thicker end and the thinner end to adjustthe angle of the tines relative to the hubs.